Description
Layers of pure comfort define Lasagna Casserole, where cheesy noodles and rich meat sauce dance together in a classic dish that feels like a warm hug from an Italian grandmother. Baked until golden and bubbling, this hearty meal brings pure satisfaction to your dinner table with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 1 pound ground beef
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Supporting Ingredients:
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Seasonings:
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat the oven to precisely 375°F (190°C) while gathering your baking equipment.
- Boil 12 lasagna noodles in salted water for exactly 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain carefully.
- Cook 1 pound ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking meat into small crumbles.
- Add 1 chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves to the beef, sautéing until vegetables soften.
- Pour 3 cups marinara sauce into the beef mixture and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Blend 2 cups ricotta cheese, 1 egg, 2 tablespoons chopped parsley, salt, and pepper in a separate mixing bowl.
- Spread 1 cup meat sauce across the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Create first layer with 4 lasagna noodles, overlapping slightly to cover the sauce completely.
- Spread half the ricotta mixture evenly over the noodles, covering every inch.
- Sprinkle 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese across the ricotta layer.
- Add another layer of meat sauce, covering the cheese thoroughly.
- Repeat layering process with remaining noodles, ricotta, mozzarella, and meat sauce.
- Top the final layer with remaining 1 cup mozzarella and ½ cup Parmesan cheese.
- Bake uncovered at 375°F for 30 minutes until cheese turns golden and edges bubble.
- Remove from oven and rest for 15 minutes before serving to help layers set properly.
Notes
- Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter protein option that still delivers rich flavor.
- Use no-boil lasagna noodles to simplify preparation and reduce overall cooking time.
- Fresh herbs like basil or oregano can elevate the sauce’s depth and add brightness to the final dish.
- Let the lasagna rest after baking to help layers set and make cutting and serving much easier.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Casseroles
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg